English-Language Arts	Contents of English-Language Arts ............................................. FastForWord DaisyQuest
Technology-Supported Solutions that Work

FastForWord Description: The Fast ForWord products take a unique, brain-based approach to preparing students for reading by developing oral comprehension and other skills necessary for successful reading. Developed by neuroscientists and reading experts from major research institutions, including the University of California, San Francisco, Rutgers University, and the University of California, Irvine, the CD-ROM and Internet based Fast ForWord products use exercises that help students understand, process, and use language more effectively. The exercises are specifically targeted to developing skills that have been identified through scientific research as being important for success in early reading. These skills include phonemic awareness, auditory processing speed, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, working memory, syntax, grammar, sequencing and other necessary reading skills. Fast ForWord products are extensive and expensive, though pricing is somewhat flexible. Subscription and perpetual use site licenses are available from $10,000. Individual participant licenses are also available.

© Scientific Learning, Inc. Developer/Publisher: University of California - San Francisco and Rutgers University Scientific Learning Grade Levels: Designed for children of ages 4-12, but there may be benefits for older students as well. Concepts have been applied to adult learners. Cost: Site licences begin at $10,000.

Effectiveness: For additional information see the Education Commission of the States summary at http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/18/84/1884.htm. In 1994 and 1995, scientists from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Rutgers University conducted initial controlled studies to measure the effectiveness of Fast ForWord Language. Their results were published in the January 1996 issue of the journal Science and demonstrated rapidly improved language skills. On average, with tests of early reading and language skills, Fast ForWord students started at the 12th percentile and ended at the 49th percentile. After the UCSF and Rutgers clinical studies were completed, Scientific Learning conducted the National Field Trial in 1996 with a much larger sample. The results from the National Field Trial confirmed the results of the joint UCSF-Rutgers studies. In addition to the National Field Trial, Scientific Learning conducted a separate study in the fall of 1997. This study included more than 400 students in 19 public schools and used a randomization procedure to assign students to either a participant group or a comparison group. Data from this study confirmed the earlier conclusions reported in Science and the National Field Trial results. In a recent Stanford University study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), students using the Fast ForWord products for eight weeks significantly improved their reading performance. Improvements also occurred in word decoding, single word reading, fluency, reading comprehension, and oral language skills. Moreover, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) indicated that after using the Fast ForWord products these students’ brain activation patterns had actually changed to more closely resemble those of students without reading difficulties.

"...results were published in the January 1996 issue of the journal Science, demonstrated rapidly improved language skills."